This past week the Legislature faced it’s second funnel week of session, a deadline to consider bills in each chamber. Among the legislation that didn’t advance and died in the funnel was House File 219, a bill that would protect private property owners from government overreach.

House File 219 strengthens property laws in Iowa by preventing the taking of private land for a recreational lake. Entities would still be allowed to condemn land to create a lake, but only for drinking water. If the lake is designed for recreational purposes, the land must be willingly sold by the land owner. Additionally, individuals whose land is being condemned for drinking water will have the opportunity to get a second engineering opinion to determine the actual amount of water needed for the community. HF 219 also provides an appeals process for land owners losing land to eminent domain for the creation of a lake. HF 219 passed with a bipartisan vote of 93-6.

“I would say we’ve taken up every good idea [House Republicans] have come up with,” said Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal when asked about bills that died during the funnel.

House Republicans believe protecting Iowan’s private property from government overreach is a good idea.